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Continuing on to the Motor Camp, it was
amazing to see Long Bay unfold ... just a few minutes’
drive from McGregor Bay and the landscape seemed
so different ! The cluster of Islands off the coast here
(Motuoruhi, Motukopake and Waimate) breaks up the horizon
with interesting shapes and shades of green, and this Bay
felt really secluded and calm - a perfect location for the
Motor Camp and Cabins. Pete and I stopped here to admire
the view and I enjoyed the movement of clouds across the sky
in the brisk wind. I’m always transfixed by the evolving
colours of water on a fast-moving sunny/cloudy day like this,
as well as the tones of the trees and bushes clinging to
Wyuna Bay Road, which went from bright to dull greens in
the blink of an eye.
Wy u na Ba y Road cr ea t e s a ‘ d i v i d e r’ b etween Long Ba y
and McGr e g o r Ba y, and t he r e a re s p e c t ac u l ar vi ews i n
bo t h d i r e c t i on s i f y ou d r i v e u p t he h i l l . T he f l a x r u s t l e d
a l ong t he bank ; t he wate r sp la s he d on t he s ho r e . .. i t wa s
a f ea s t f o r t he s en s e s!
Alan Duff’s aerial view of Coromandel town captures the essence of this
village that is so tied to the sea and the land. The town is reached by
SH25, the straight stretch across the bottom left corner.
The town is nestled into the Kapanga lowlands with Kapanga Stream,
seen at McGregor Bay’s lower left. McGregor Bay is protected by the
narrow Wyuna peninsula; islands seen distant are Motukakarikitahi,
Waimate, Motukopake, and Motukaramea. To the right of the land finger
is Long Bay, its entire length a camping and motor park.
ISLANDS SEEN FROM LONG BAY
Long Bay,
home of snapper charters
and breathaking
sunset views
LONG BAY is just 3 km northwest of
Coromandel Town. The Long Bay Motor Camp
and Fishing Charters park offers a great spot for budget holiday
makers to stay right along water’s edge and inhale the stunning
sunsets. There’s a boat ramp, fish cleaning area, boat washup,
and grassy spaces for caravans, motorhomes, and tents,
powered and unpowered. Rent a cabin or arrange for a snapper
charter, or fish off the rocks.
The bay is hugged by a valley of wild bush, perfect for short
hikes. And that short dash to town will keep you well stocked
and civilized with groceries and flat whites.
360
Discovery
Cruises
Take the Ferry between Auckland & Coromandel
360 Discovery Cruises
operates the ferry service from downtown
Auckland, year round. Sailings also depart from Orapiu on Waiheke
Island. This scenic 2 hour journey cruises through the Hauraki Gulf Marine
Park offering stunning scenery of the coast and the islands, home to an
amazing variety of wildlife.
Fare includes shuttle bus from Hannaford’s Wharf to the centre of
Coromandel Town (approx 20 min). The bus (operated by Coromandel
Adventures) also departs from Samuel James Reserve carpark, behind the
medical centre, 30 minutes prior to the ferry departure times. Daily during
peak season.
See
www.360discovery.co.nz for timetable & fares.
Sunset from Coromandel Town
over Waiheke Island, the first
stop on the 360 Discovery
cruise to Auckland.
- Photo by Ian Patrick